Stephen Krashen has been a foremost authority on second language acquisition for over 30 years. He is associated with the University of Southern California. His research and work have greatly influenced the field of ESL. Krashen is a strong proponent of whole language and bilingual education practices.
Overview of the Natural Approach:
The Natural Approach to Second Language Acquisition contends that language learners all go through predictable stages when learning L2 (n.d). The stages include Preproduction, Early production, Speech Emergence, and Intermediate Fluency. The implications for ESL are huge because these stages can set up a framework for educators to follow when teaching students in each stage. Check out this link for a paper on teaching techniques related to the Natural Approach:
The Natural Approach also encompasses the following principals:
1. Comprehension must come before production. Therefore, listening and, if applicable with older students, reading would precede speaking and writing. The teacher must use the L2 during instruction, use engaging methods and conversational activities that are relevant to the student, and the teacher must constantly monitor the ELLs for comprehension (Craig, 2011).
2. Production progresses in Stages.
Non verbal responses
Single word answers
Two or three word combinations
Phrases
Sentences
Complex and complete dialogue and discussion
3. Learning includes communication goals.
4. Classroom environment should lower the affective filter. The affective filter are things that create a barrier to language learning. If a student does not feel comfortable and safe in the learning environment, increased stress with prevent L2 learning.
Krashen's 5 Hypotheses
Acquisition-Learning Hypothesis: This hypothesis contends that there are two ways to develop a second language. The first part is acquisition which is similar to the natural processes a child would go through when learning a native language. This part is more innate. The second component is learning which is a more formal, conscious method of actually studying the grammar and rules of a language. The two components work together to build the L2 competence.
The Natural Order Hypothesis: Grammar and language and acquired in a natural order. Easiest language structures are acquired first followed by more complex and difficult structures. This theory maintains that language is gained by acquisition, which is more innate, and not by explicit learning.
The Monitor Hypothesis: This hypothesis still has automatic, acquired language as the foundation. After language has been produced, the "monitor" portion of the theory enters the picture as a deliberate and conscious learning mechanism. This deliberate concentration/monitoring of language affects the development of language, but only after the communication is "uttered" by the acquirement system (Craig, 2011). Essentially, the acquisition of language is still considered natural and innate, but some conscious effort can improve the proficiency and competence of the L2 learner.
The Input Hypothesis: To continue developing language, learners must be exposed to and understand L2 input that is slightly above their current comprehension level. With this scaffolding, learners will continue to develop and acquire the L2. Comprehension will come before production.
The Affective Filter Hypothesis: Internal and external factors affect a student's ability to acquire L2. The affective filter refers to the block that students experience when the variables enter the pictures. Some factors may be lack of internal motivation, feeling unsafe or intimidated in the learning environment, not having physical needs met, etc. All of these stresses negatively impact students. Teachers must seek to remove barriers to learning.
This link provides articles and information about books written by Krashen. It is a great resource for reading more about his work and position on language acquisition and education.
Stephen Krashen's Work
A Brief Bio of Stephen Krashen:
Stephen Krashen has been a foremost authority on second language acquisition for over 30 years. He is associated with the University of Southern California. His research and work have greatly influenced the field of ESL. Krashen is a strong proponent of whole language and bilingual education practices.
Overview of the Natural Approach:
The Natural Approach to Second Language Acquisition contends that language learners all go through predictable stages when learning L2 (n.d). The stages include Preproduction, Early production, Speech Emergence, and Intermediate Fluency. The implications for ESL are huge because these stages can set up a framework for educators to follow when teaching students in each stage. Check out this link for a paper on teaching techniques related to the Natural Approach:
http://www.oneonta.edu/faculty/thomasrl/YaTeachTech.pdf
The Natural Approach also encompasses the following principals:
1. Comprehension must come before production. Therefore, listening and, if applicable with older students, reading would precede speaking and writing. The teacher must use the L2 during instruction, use engaging methods and conversational activities that are relevant to the student, and the teacher must constantly monitor the ELLs for comprehension (Craig, 2011).
2. Production progresses in Stages.
Non verbal responses
Single word answers
Two or three word combinations
Phrases
Sentences
Complex and complete dialogue and discussion
3. Learning includes communication goals.
4. Classroom environment should lower the affective filter. The affective filter are things that create a barrier to language learning. If a student does not feel comfortable and safe in the learning environment, increased stress with prevent L2 learning.
Krashen's 5 Hypotheses
References
Craig, D.V. (2011) Module 5: The natural approach to second language acquisition. Retrieved from https://elearn.mtsu.edu/d2l/lms/content/viewer/main_frame.d2l?ou=1933713&tId=18292374
(n.d.). The Natural approach: Stages of Second Language Development. Retrieved from https://elearn.mtsu.edu/d2l/lms/content/viewer/main_frame.d2l?ou=1933713&tId=18292373
More Information about Krashen and His Work
http://www.sdkrashen.com/index.php?cat=6
This link provides articles and information about books written by Krashen. It is a great resource for reading more about his work and position on language acquisition and education.
http://www.eslminiconf.net/september/krashen.html
This link has a great interview with Stephen Krashen with The ESL MiniConference Online.
Christina Ontiveros
Smithville Elementary
contiveros@k12tn.net